When the owners of a Verona-area home grew tired of their inefficient laundry mudroom, they asked us to revamp a small, underutilized nook into a hardworking, multi-purpose storage solution for their growing family. This transformation was designed to seamlessly manage winter coats, boots, and all-season gear for a tidy and functional space year-round.
![Verona homeowners needed a smarter storage solution to accommodate their busy family.](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/90c3f1_34711830a148478bbe76df188354db8d~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_1169,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/90c3f1_34711830a148478bbe76df188354db8d~mv2.jpg)
During our initial discussions about installing shelving and an upper cabinet in the current laundry hamper area, we recognized the opportunity to enhance functionality even more. We proposed a floor-to-ceiling built-in unit that optimizes real estate in this tight space. Although this unit would not accommodate the hampers, relocating them next to the laundry machines turned out to be a smarter solution. This adjustment also allows for expanded room for coats and backpacks near the exterior door, creating an efficient and convenient mudroom stop.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/90c3f1_d60cc74bd94c4b3ba2c23a90f759a0dd~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_1466,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/90c3f1_d60cc74bd94c4b3ba2c23a90f759a0dd~mv2.jpg)
We sketched a rough layout to fit seamlessly into the nook while addressing all the homeowner's storage needs. The layout features two rows of hooks for outerwear and backpacks, a bench seat for convenience, lower shelving for shoes and boots, and upper shelving to hold hats, mittens, and accessories in fabric storage bins.
We constructed the unit from solid maple wood, which we stained in a natural tone and sealed with a polyurethane coating for durability. This look coordinated perfectly with the room's existing maple baseboards and trim, integrating the unit as if it has always been there.
![Solid maple laundry-mudroom storage unit adds style and function to an underutilized space.](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/90c3f1_6f78e3e4e26a4c5286adfff598fc32e3~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_1190,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/90c3f1_6f78e3e4e26a4c5286adfff598fc32e3~mv2.jpg)
Adding functionality to an underutilized space, regardless of size, enhances your home's usability and aesthetic appeal and boosts your property's overall value. Whether through a custom storage solution or a cleverly designed built-in unit for storing your gear, optimizing these nooks can improve your day-to-day home experience - especially in the winter.
Do you have a laundry or mudroom in need of organization? Contact us for smart ways to maximize your most-used spaces with affordable home finishing solutions.